Bikaner
Founded in 1488, Bikaner is a desert built on an elevation and
surrounded by a long embattled wall pierced by five gates. A
magnificient fort built betwen 1588 & 1593 by Raja Raj Singh dominates
the city. Season: October to March.

Sheer beauty in the desert is the royal
fortified city of Bikaner. Lying at the northern tip of the famous
triangle of the desert cities, Bikaner stands on a slightly raised
ground and is circumscribed by a long embattled wall having five
entrance gates.

The
genesis of Bikaner dates back to 1488, when a Rathore prince, Rao
Bikaji, son of Rao Jodhaji of Jodhpur, chose a barren wilderness called
'Jangladesh' and transformed it to a charming city called 'Bikaner',
after the founder's name. Its location on the ancient caravan routes,
which linked Central Asia and North India with the Gujarat seaports,
made Bikaner a bustling trade centre in the times of yore.

Bikaner's forts, palaces and temples –
magnificent creations in red and yellow sandstone, are living
manifestations of its rich historical and architectural legacy. One can
feel the medieval aura pervading the city's lifestyle.

Not only do the traditions come alive
here in colourful bazaars and havelis, but Bikaner is also famous for
the best riding camels in the world. One can witness gaily caparisoned
camels at the spectacular Camel Festival at Bikaner, held annually.